Meryl, we felt honored to do this for John and y'all. Our friend Gary, who is not a Brokie, but was traveling with us, took the pictures and was moved to tears even though he had never met John. It was not our eloquence at all, but simply a pouring out of love for John and appreciation of all the many caring things he did. I felt a sacred presence there, the spirits who have gone to Brokenback and who long to gather there in community, fellowship, and brotherhood.
Lee, I'm not surprised Gary was affected. Brokeback has that effect on all of us, and John was such a special Brokie.
I took some pictures of my mementos before I mailed them to Dana, so I'll post them here for the record. I'm so glad to know they found their way home to Brokenback. Thanks, dear buds
1-Folk art prayer shawl (in the closeups you can see the shirts at the top, one of them the shirt John owned, the other the 2 shirts in the film)
2-An antique harmonica bought in Alberta in 2007 (maybe Paul remembers the name of the town)
3-Various bits collected at the film sites, including cement from the Twist ranch porch (top), a chip of paint from the Rockyford post office (oxidized blue one, bottom), a flattened bottle cap with a maple leaf and stones picked up (I don't remember where)
4-A pine cone, probably from the tent site
